Nothing is Impossible: America's Reconciliation with Vietnam

America's strong international partner, Vietnam, has a twenty-year story of daring diplomacy and a thawing of tensions after a lengthy war. Ted Osius, former ambassador during the Obama administration, offers a vivid account of the leaders who put aside past traumas to work on creating a brighter future, including senators John McCain and John Kerry, Pete Peterson, and ordinary Vietnamese people. With a foreword by former Secretary of State John Kerry, Nothing Is Impossible tells an inspiring story of how international diplomacy can create a better world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Vietnam has emerged as one of America's most formidable international partners, boasting a thriving economy and a welcoming population that eagerly embraces American visitors. The journey towards this strong relationship spans a remarkable twenty years, marked by daring diplomacy and a meticulous thawing of tensions between the two countries following a protracted war that claimed the lives of nearly 60,000 American servicemen and over two million Vietnamese citizens.

In his captivating account, Ted Osius, a former ambassador during the Obama administration, delves into the intricate details that shaped this reconciliation. Beginning in the 1990s, Osius explores the diverse array of diplomatic strategies employed to bridge the gap between the United States and Vietnam. He pays tribute to the leaders who, despite their past traumas, set aside their ideological differences to work towards a brighter future. Senators John McCain and John Kerry, both Vietnam veterans and ideological opponents, stand out as prime examples of individuals who transcended their differences for the greater good. Osius also highlights the remarkable story of Pete Peterson, a former POW who became the first U.S. ambassador to the newly established Vietnam.

Through his firsthand experiences working with various Vietnamese leaders and embarking on a bicycle journey across the country, Osius sheds light on the ordinary Vietnamese people who have played a pivotal role in their nation's extraordinary renaissance. His narrative underscores the profound impact that international diplomacy can have on shaping a better world.

"Nothing Is Impossible" is graced with a foreword by former Secretary of State John Kerry, adding an extra layer of significance to the book. This inspiring story showcases the power of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, fostering understanding, and building bridges between nations. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of daunting challenges, nothing is truly impossible when pursued with determination and a commitment to positive change.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978825161